Programs

Toddler

18 – 30 Months

Toddlers are starting to become more self-aware. They begin to develop their personalities and to explore their own emotions, and they express themselves in many creative ways. We provide a free play environment with sensory, creative, and cognitive activities. Our underlying philosophy is the process and not the product.

Daily group time includes short stories, discussions, songs, instruments, and puppets. An emphasis is placed on ‘social interaction’ encouraging the children to communicate with each other through their play.

Preschool

30 Months – JK

In Junior Kindergarten the children are able to communicate more through language and are beginning to show more of an understanding of “social boundaries”, we try to encourage a greater sense of independence through simple activities such as learning to wash their hands, wiping their noses, and how to use a knife and fork. The children learn to respect themselves. The children may then start to think beyond themselves as individuals and begin to have empathy for others.

At this stage, children are learning to do a lot for themselves and we try to encourage their independence still further by asking them to do little tasks such as putting their chairs away at the end of mealtimes and going to the toilet on their own. By doing this, we are encouraging the children to start taking responsibility for their own actions.

Language plays an important role in being able to share ideas, points of view, and instructions between children and adults. Sharing is a big part of “circle” time. At story and discussion times, as well as through play, the children are given the opportunity to talk with the other children and staff.

More structured activities, such as playing board games, are carried out with smaller groups of children to try and extend their concentration and also to develop their social skills such as sharing and taking turns.

Kindergarten

Junior & Senior

Our full-day Kindergarten programs operate within Ossington/Old Orchard Public School. Care is offered before and after school, as well as during school closures.

For the children enrolled in full-day kindergarten an optional organic healthy hot lunch program, prepared in our own kitchen, is available.

At this stage, their personalities and individuality are evident and they have more confidence in themselves. They have a better feel for what they can do and realize their ability to try new things. They are gaining knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

School Age

Grade 1 – 6

Before & after school care: West End has two school-age programs. One within Ossington Old Orchard for the children attending OOPS. It operates from September to June. The other school’s age program is at our main location. We drop off and pick up children from both OOOPS and Dewson public schools. Both of these programs offer before and after school care as well as during public school closures.

Summer program: Families can choose as many, or as few, weeks as they would like during the summer. Your child will have an adventurous summer exploring many sites within Toronto. These include Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and The Ontario Science Centre to name a few. They will even have the opportunity to attend a two-night camp-out in Scugog.

Registration for the summer program begins in March.

WEPD’s goal is to provide an environment where children feel like they are coming and going from a second home. We move away from the structure and stresses of school to a space where they can relax, read, create, and explore. In this relaxed structure, children can participate in music, dance, arts and crafts, science, computers, and recreational activities.